NSW five-eighth Josh Reynolds believes a lack of superstars is at the heart of the Blues’ drought-ending State of Origin series win.
In addition to eight successive series losses being rammed down their throats by Queenslanders, Blues players have had to listen to claims none of them would be good enough to play in a Maroons side.
Queensland have been able to call on Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis, who can all lay claims for future immortal status, for the past eight years.
They’ve also been blessed by the presence of Test stars Cooper Cronk, Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday and Darius Boyd for most of their era of dominance.
In the Blues team, only Jarryd Hayne would be considered a genuine superstar of the game.
But Reynolds said the togetherness fostered in camp by Blues coach Laurie Daley gave his players the belief they could beat Mal Meninga’s mighty side.
“The team spirit in this team is outstanding,” Reynolds told AAP.
“From the players to the support staff, to everyone involved around the place, it’s been fantastic.
“Queensland are a great side with some of the best players to ever play the game. But we’ve managed to beat them. The bond between all these players is so tight.
“Before game one, I think we were the longest odds of any team in Origin history … no one gave us a hope … but we won the game and the belief has just grown.”
Reynolds and halfback partner Trent Hodkinson were long odds to be the starting halves at the start of the year.
But the Canterbury duo have been a key reason why the Blues are 2-0 up going into game three in Brisbane next Wednesday and looking at their first clean sweep since 2000.
“From day one, Laurie has shown trust in us,” Reynolds said.
“It was pretty daunting going up against Cronk and Thurston in Brisbane in game one so he had us taking video sessions in camp to get us used to leading the team around.
“Because he’d been there before as a player, he knew what we would be up against and it was a huge help.
“On paper, people might say that they have better players than us, but the way we held them out in game one and then won game two when we weren’t at our best … that’s pretty good.”
Representative selection is something the 24-year-old had never tasted coming through the lower grades at the Bulldogs, and he admits even he’s still struggling to comprehend what he’s achieved this year.
“To be honest, I thought I was just privileged to be playing NRL,” he said.
“Being an Origin player is pretty hard to get my head around sometimes. It’s a great thing to be part of.
“I struggled when I was a kid and never got to play rep footy as there were kids who just were much better than me.
“But now I am making up for lost time and here playing for the real Blues. It makes up for all those hard times.”
Gappy
Guest
Think the blues have better players this year. I mean name the Australia team with just the origin games as a guide, Qld would have very many players in the team at all. My team would be Hayne, Morris twins, GI, Slater, JT, Cronk, Woods, Farah, Myles, Bird, Scott, Gallen Bench Reynolds, Hoffman, Sammy, Lewis or Merrin 6 Qld players out of 17. NSW do have superstars but all are willing to play their role and do the job required to win, not try to making a pass or run to win the game.
Tiger
Guest
Don't tell Farah he's not a star..sheesh we will get another newspaper article where he describes how good he thinks he is!!!!
TheTruth
Guest
Whilst maybe not at the same level as their Queensland counterparts, the blues have plenty of stars - Hayne, Morris twins, Jennings - these players are no chumps. Forwards get no love from the media. Like or loathe him, Gallen is a star, as is Farah. Bird is absolutely brilliant at rep level, much like Nate Myles - they just seem to rise to the occassion. Luke Lewis, though injury plagued, has always played well for the blues.
Rob K
Roar Rookie
Don't get me wrong, I love haynsey! But honestly in my opinion, other than stopping sam thaiday he really didn't do anything. Ahaha I loved watching the blues get the win but no one really stood out in game 2. Reynolds game winning tackle on slater was pretty good! Ahaha Hoffman though played exceptionally well. Anyway I think your right and hayne will win the blues player of the series simply cause of his game 1 efforts closely followed by Hoffman and gallen If we're talking about origin players of the series I think it would go to hayne and guerra would be a close second. Hate Queensland but that guy was a standout! It must be so difficult to even get into a side like Queensland let alone standout!
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
I Think they won because they scored more points than qld in both games :)
Chappy
Guest
Don't apologise Elma, that should be the title but no current player is going to say that.
Elma Dudd
Guest
I must have misread the title " lack of Pearce the key to blues win " Reynolds . My apologies .
mattray
Guest
Hayne in current form is the most dominant player in the game. Before the series phil gould, Andrew johns and Benny Elias all stated nsw wins the series if hayne plays well and alas they were right. Best player in the game
Elma Dudd
Guest
Both sides had the same refs ... But I guess NSW have never been on the end of a dud decision so I guess you must be right in just saying .
WQ
Guest
I would have thought 'Lack of Refereeing' would be more appropriate! Just saying..
Chappy
Guest
Elma Dudd, I'm simply responding to the title of this article and the reason why I think NSW won. I've been very vocal against Pearce selection for years with anyone that would listen and now finally my views are with the majority and vindicated. I will continue to speak my mind and remind everyone why I think NSW won the series this year and lost those other series when Pearce was Halfback. When Mitch Pearce is no longer spoken of as a possible chance to play origin again by anyone. Is when I will stop reminding everyone of Pearce's inadequate ability to play Halfback at origin level.
up in the north
Guest
Cinderella story, I like that. The bloke seems to have a terriffic attitude.
Elma Dudd
Guest
Why do so many people on here have to continually grind the same axe at every given chance . There was no mention of MP here just a Cinderella story about a guy who got a kiss on the ass and has made the best of it and his view of the success of the team . On the story itself I can't wait for game 3 to see the toads put to the sword for a second time in toad town this year and to see these boys enjoy what will be something for them all to remember forever .
Chappy
Guest
No Mitchell Pearce was the key to this years victory. I'm sorry to all you Pearce lovers, but that's a fact and is history now. I know a lot of people are infatuated with the idea of a father and son of NSW winning origin, but please don't ever bring Mitch Pearce back. It's the worse case of nepotism in professional sport I've ever seen.